Patent application title: Apparatus for growing living organisms

Abstract:

An apparatus for growing living organisms having at least one growing unit
adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a
conduit operably connecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in
fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the
requirements by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit.

Claims:

1. An apparatus for growing living organisms comprising at least one
growing unit adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of
fluid, means operably interconnecting the source of fluid and said
growing unit in fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for
supplying the means by which said living organism is enabled to grow in
said growing unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid of the source of fluid
contains nutrients which support the growth of said living organism in
the growing unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the living organism is a plant
disposed in the growing unit in receiving relation to fluid nutrients
received from the source of fluid through said means operably
interconnecting the source of fluid and the growing unit.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the growing unit contains a housing
having a growing medium therein in which the plant is planted in
receiving relation to the fluid nutrients received from said source of
fluid.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means operably interconnecting
the source of fluid and the growing unit is a conduit operable to pass
the fluid nutrients along a path beneath said housing and the growing
medium therein so that the growing medium absorbs fluid nutrients from
the fluid nutrients passing along said path.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein one of said systems is an air system
operable to infuse the fluid nutrients with air for receipt by the plant
within the growing medium.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the air system has an air pump, a
conduit system interconnecting the air pump and a member disposed in
contact with said growing medium and operable to release air into the
fluid nutrients within the growing unit so as to aerate the fluid
nutrients to promote the growth of said plant.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said source of fluid includes a second
conduit extending from said source of fluid into a porous member, which
is inserted within the growing medium adjacent to said plant, to release
the fluid nutrients received thereby for consumption by the plant.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said source of fluid includes a tank
adapted to receive fluid nutrients and operable to release the fluid
nutrients through both of said conduits in a controlled manner.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said growing medium includes a fluid
nutrient absorbing material substantially absent of soil therein and
operable to absorb said fluid nutrients for consumption by the plant.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said housing containing the growing
medium has a plurality of openings therein adapted to receive fluid
nutrients within the growing unit and to release excess fluid nutrients
from the housing.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein there is a plurality of said growing
units individually having a growing medium therewithin in which a plant
is planted and individually connected to the source of fluid in receiving
relation to said fluid nutrients.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a source of light is mounted above
said plurality of growing units for promoting the growth of the plants
therewithin.

14. An apparatus for growing living organisms such as plants, the
apparatus comprising a main supply housing having a lower tank and an
upper tank, substantially disposed above the lower tank, and adapted to
receive a nutrient fluid therewithin; a transfer assembly interconnecting
the upper tank and the lower tank in fluid transferring relation and
having a float valve mounted in fluid receiving relation within the lower
tank operable to permit the flow of nutrient fluid through the transfer
assembly until the nutrient fluid reaches substantially a predetermined
level within the lower tank and then to discontinue said flow of nutrient
fluid so as to maintain said predetermined level within the lower tank; a
plurality of growing units individually having a growing medium
therewithin in which at least one plant is planted; a conduit system
operably interconnecting the lower tank successively with each growing
unit of said plurality of growing units so as to maintain substantially a
predetermined level of the nutrient fluid within each growing unit; an
air system including an air pump individually operably connected through
air conduits to a plurality of porous air release members within said
upper tank, lower tank and plurality of growing units to release air in
the form of bubbles into the nutrient fluid within the upper tank, lower
tank and plurality of growing units so as to aerate said nutrient fluid
therewithin; a nutrient fluid supply system including a fluid pump in
said lower tank operable to pump the nutrient fluid therefrom along a
plurality of nutrient fluid supply lines individually connected to each
growing unit; and a porous release member interconnecting said nutrient
fluid supply line and each growing unit and said growing medium thereof
to supply nutrient fluid from the lower tank to the plant of each growing
unit.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002]Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003](1) Field of the Invention

[0004]The present invention relates to an apparatus for growing living
organisms and, more particularly, to such an apparatus which is operable
to promote the growth of living organisms, such as plant life, and to
maintain such growth in a desired state of development, for a
predetermined period of time, and/or with other operational parameters.

[0005](2) Description of the Prior Art

[0006]The growth of living organisms, including plant life, is essential
to sustaining virtually all life forms. Plant life, for example, provides
sustenance for humans, animals and other living organisms. Plant life, in
part, uses carbon dioxide from its environment and, through
photosynthesis, produces oxygen necessary for creating an atmosphere
sufficient to permit all forms of life to be created and sustained.

[0007]In its natural form, plant life serves as food for animals, humans
and a wide variety of other creatures and organisms. In addition, of
course, plant life can be used, processed, or otherwise modified to form
a multiplicity of products. Furthermore, new varieties of plant life are
continuously being created both spontaneously in nature as well as by
human experimentation, plant breeding and the like. Such plant breeding
and discovery result both in new forms of plant life which can be
employed in a multitude of uses as well as yielding new types of
commodities produced thereby. Examples abound in the form of food
products such as fruits, nuts, vegetables and the like, and new types of
plant life employed for other uses such as in landscaping, construction,
heating, medicine and virtually endless other uses.

[0008]Plant patents and other forms of protection are available in the
United States and in other nations of the world under laws intended to
promote the creation, discovery, experimentation and development of new
forms or varieties of plant life.

[0009]Such creation, discovery, experimentation and development has led to
the invention of new methods and apparatuses to assist in the achievement
of these objectives. For example, throughout an extensive history,
various hydroponic devices, systems and methods have been developed for
these and other purposes. Hydroponics is, by definition, the cultivation
of plant life in nutrient solution rather than in soil. The purposes for
such technology include inexpensively and with a minimum of attention and
care to produce and maintain superior specimens of plant life.
Concomitantly, there has been a desire to create hydroponic systems which
can be employed for virtually all forms of plant life.

[0010]Other considerations include the creation of hydroponic systems of
virtually any capacity, whether large or small; of systems which can be
employed using ambient light as well as, artificial light; which are
readily controlled to accommodate changing conditions, both as to the
environment in which they are used as well as to the changing
requirements of the plant life as it is grown; and which achieve many
other long recognized but unrealized objectives. These objectives have
eluded achievement notwithstanding the development of various types of
hydroponic systems virtually from the beginning of recorded history.

[0011]Thus, while some progress has been attained with such efforts, the
success, particularly from a commercial standpoint, has been marginal.
Without practical and dependable commercial application, true hydroponics
has little value other than for limited scientific experimentation as in
the case of a plant breeding programs. The production of seedlings for
commercial planting is limited by the restricted capacity of conventional
hydroponic systems. There is, thus, no prior art hydroponics system
capable of providing a sufficient number of seedlings and/or plants
necessary for practical commercial application. In summary in this
respect, the prior art is replete with hydroponic systems incapable, as a
practical matter, of being expanded to produce commercially viable
yields.

[0012]Therefore, it has long been recognized that it would be desirable to
have an apparatus for growing living organisms which is capable of
producing commercially practical yields of superior quality plant life
and other living organisms; which is operable to provide an optimum
growing environment; which is operable to provide superior aeration of
the fluid provided to the plant life or the like grown therein; which is
operable to provide optimum nutrients in a manner most suited to the
particular plant life to be grown; which permits modification thereof to
accommodate the changing requirements of the plant life throughout its
growth and maturation; which can readily be expanded to provide
additional capacity or reduced in size to accommodate a particular
desired capacity; which is adapted to provide improved operation in a
hydroponic system; and which is otherwise entirely successful in
achieving its operational objectives.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013]Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved apparatus for growing plant life and other living organisms.

[0014]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which is adapted for
use in the growth and maturation of plant life and other living organisms
in a manner not heretofore achieved in the art.

[0015]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which has particular
utility in the growth of plant life wherein the resulting plant life is
of a character superior to that which has heretofore been possible.

[0016]Another object is to provide improved aeration of the solution
supplied to the plant life grown therein as well as providing a
symmetrical and unobstructed solution flow.

[0017]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which is operable to
enable the supply of nutrients and other essential substances and
conditions for plant life in a more precise and dependable manner than
has heretofore been possible.

[0018]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which possesses the
capability of consistent or intermittent introduction of the optimum
oxygen to the mineral nutrient ratio.

[0019]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which permits the
individually controlled adjustment of the nutrients and other essentials
to growing plant life as the needs of the plant life may vary during the
growth and maturation thereof and under any variations in the conditions
to which they are subjected.

[0020]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which employs
superior hydroponics capabilities in the administration of the supply of
water, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, light and other substances and
conditions required by the plant life during the growth thereof.

[0021]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which possesses the
capability of being expanded or, alternatively, reduced in size and
capacity so as to be operable to provide the precise capacity and level
of production desired.

[0022]Another object is to provide such an apparatus which is fully
capable of providing a complete commercial operation in an entirely
practical manner.

[0023]Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and
arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is
dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.

[0024]These and other objects and advantages are achieved, in the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in an apparatus for
growing living organisms having at least one growing unit adapted to
receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a conduit
operably interconnecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in
fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the
requirement by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for growing living
organisms of the present invention showing representative living
organisms, in this case plant life, being grown therein.

[0027]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the apparatus taken from the left,
as viewed in FIG. 2.

[0028]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the apparatus taken from the right,
as viewed in FIG. 2.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a longitudinal, horizontal section taken on line 5-5 in
FIG. 1.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a longitudinal, horizontal section of the apparatus
showing the structure thereof in relation to the pathways of fluid
movement therethrough.

[0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper supply tank of the
apparatus of the present invention viewed principally from the left side
thereof, as viewed in FIG. 3, with the lid disposed in an open attitude.

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper supply tank of the
apparatus, as viewed principally from the right side thereof, as viewed
in FIG. 3, with the lid thereof disposed in an open attitude.

[0033]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the upper supply tank, as viewed
principally from the top thereof, as viewed in FIG. 4, and with the lid
thereof disposed in an open attitude so as to show the interior of the
upper supply tank.

[0034]FIG. 10 is a somewhat enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the
lower supply tank of the present invention viewed principally from the
left side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 4.

[0035]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the lower supply tank
viewed principally from the right side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 4.

[0036]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary. perspective view of the lower supply tank
viewed principally from the left side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 4, and
with a portion of the lid thereof removed to show the interior of the
lower supply tank.

[0037]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the lower supply tank,
as viewed principally from the top, as shown in FIG. 4, and with a
portion of the lid removed to show the interior of the lower supply tank.

[0038]FIG. 14 is a somewhat further enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinal,
vertical section taken on line 14-14 in FIG. 10.

[0039]FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one of the growing
units of the apparatus of the present invention, as viewed principally
from the left in FIG. 4, showing a representative plant growing therein.

[0040]FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the growing unit of
FIG. 15 shown principally from the opposite side thereof viewed in FIG.
15.

[0042]FIG. 18 is a somewhat further enlarged, fragmentary, transverse
vertical section taken on line 18-18 in FIG. 15.

[0043]FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, perspective, exploded view of a growing
unit of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044]Referring more particularly to the drawings, the apparatus for
growing living organisms of the present invention is generally indicated
by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The apparatus can generally be viewed as
having a growing assembly 20 and a lighting assembly 30.

[0045]Referring first to the growing assembly 20, it can generally be
viewed as having a supply system 40 shown on the right, as viewed in FIG.
2, and a plurality of growing housings or units 50. As shown in the
drawings, there are twelve (12) such growing units. More specifically,
this is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6. As will hereinafter be described in
greater detail, the growing assembly 20 of the apparatus 10 can have a
greater or lesser number of growing units. The specific number of growing
units selected for use in the growing assembly 20 is discretionary and
dependent upon the type of living organisms to be grown, the desired
production capacity of the apparatus 10, the preferences as to operation
of the apparatus and a variety of other considerations. In the
illustrative embodiment shown and described herein, the living organisms
are living plants and will hereinafter be referred to as such.

[0046]The supply system 40 has a main supply housing 60 having a lower
supply tank 61 and an upper supply tank 62. The lower supply tank and
upper supply tank are hereinafter referred to, for illustrative
convenience, respectively as the lower tank 61 and the upper tank 62. The
upper tank is preferably rested on the lower tank as shown, for example,
in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The lower tank and upper tank are preferably,
although not necessarily, constructed of a rigid plastic, or similar
material, which is sufficiently strong to support the structure of the
apparatus and to perform the functions hereinafter described, while being
of light weight.

[0047]The lower tank 61 is best shown in FIGS. 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
The lower tank has a floor 70 on which are mounted four (4) upstanding
side walls 71 to form a box like configuration. The floor and upstanding
side walls are mounted in fluid tight relation to each other define, or
bound, an interior 72 of the lower tank. The side walls have a
substantially rectangular upper lip 73 bounding an upper opening 74. A
lid assembly 75 is removably mounted on the upper lip 73 by being press
fitted thereon within a downwardly facing groove 76 extending about the
periphery of the lid assembly. The lid assembly is composed of a first
section 77 and a smaller second section 78. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
the first section 77 has been removed therefrom, leaving the second
section 78 in place. For illustrative convenience, the interior 72 is
thereby exposed. The interior of the lower tank is perhaps best shown in
FIG. 14 in a somewhat enlarged, longitudinal vertical section. The floor
70 has a pair of parallel raised portions or supports 79 extending in
across the floor within the interior 72 of the lower tank. The internal
operative portions of the apparatus shown in the interior of the lower
tank will subsequently be discussed.

[0048]The upper tank 62, as heretofore noted, is mounted, or rested, on
the lower tank 61, as shown in FIG. 2. The upper tank has a floor 90
bounded by four (4) upstanding side walls extending about the periphery
of the floor to form a box like configuration. The floor and upstanding
side walls are joined in fluid tight relation to each other to define, or
bound, an interior 92 of the upper tank. The side walls of the upper tank
have a substantially rectangular upper lip 93 bounding an upper opening
94. A lid assembly 95 is removably mounted on the upper lip 93 by being
press fitted thereon within a groove 96 extending about the periphery of
the lid assembly. The lid assembly is composed of a first section 97 and
a smaller second section 98. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the first
section has been pivoted upwardly relative to the second section and
while leaving the second section 98 in place. For illustrative
convenience the interior 92 of the upper tank 62 is thereby exposed. The
floor 90 of the upper tank has a pair of parallel raised portions or
supports 99 extending across the floor within the interior 92 of the
upper tank. The internal and external operative components of the
apparatus will subsequently be discussed.

[0049]The apparatus 10 of the present invention, as noted, has a plurality
of growing units 50, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The
specific number of growing units employed in the apparatus can be
selected based upon the size of the operation, the yield desired, the
preferences of the operator and many other considerations. For
illustrative convenience, in the preferred embodiment shown herein, there
are twelve (12) growing units arranged in two rows. The growing units of
the two rows are disposed in pairs spaced from each other in side-by-side
relation. As shown and described herein, each growing unit in the
preferred embodiment has a single plant growing therein. However, if
desired, a plurality of plants can be grown in each growing unit.
Alternatively, the growing units of the second embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 19 can be employed, as will hereinafter be
described in greater detail.

[0050]Each growing unit 50 has a floor 110 having four (4) side walls 111
extending upwardly therefrom the form a box like configuration. The floor
and upstanding side walls are mounted in fluid tight relation to each
other to define, or bound, an interior 112 of the growing unit. The side
walls have a substantially rectangular upper lip 113 bounding an upper
opening 114. A lid assembly 115 is removably mounted on the upper lip by
being press fitted thereon within a downwardly facing groove 116
extending about the periphery of the lid assembly. The lid assembly is
composed of a first section 117 and a smaller second section 118. The
floor 110 has a pair of parallel raised portions or supports 119
extending across the floor within the interior 112 of the growing unit
50. The first section of the lid assembly has a hole 120 of a
predetermined diameter extending therethrough into communication with the
interior 112, as shown in FIG. 17.

[0051]The supply system 40 of the apparatus 10 has a first air pump 130
mounted externally of the lower tank 61 and upper tank 62, as best shown
in FIG. 5. The first air pump is operably connected to the lower tank by
two (2) by first air supply lines 131 which extend from the first air
pump, through one of the side walls 71 of the lower tank and into the
interior 72 thereof, as best shown in FIG. 14. Two (2) second air supply
lines 132 extend from the first air pump, to the upper tank 62 and
through the second section 98 of the lid assembly 95 into the interior 92
through the lid assembly 95 into the interior 92 of the upper tank. Each
of the first air supply lines and second air supply lines has a fluid
seal 133 extending thereabout at the point of extension through the side
wall 71 of the lower tank 61 and upper tank 62. The fluid seals operate
to prevent leakage about the first air supply lines and second air supply
lines. The first air supply lines extend to interior end portions 134 in
the interior of the lower tank 61. The second air supply lines extend to
interior end portions 135 in the interior of the upper tank 62.

[0052]The supply system 40 has a second air pump 140 mounted between the
two rows of growing units 50 on the right, as viewed in FIG. 5. A growing
unit air supply line 141 extends from the second air pump to each of the
first six (6) growing units 50 on the right as viewed in FIG. 5; that is,
to the three (3) growing units on one side of the second air pump and to
the three (3) growing units on the opposite side of the second air pump.
Each of these six (6) growing units has a fluid seal 143 through which
its respective growing unit air supply line extends into the interior 112
of that growing unit. Each of the growing unit air supply lines extends
to an interior end portion 144 within its respective growing unit, as
shown in FIG. 18.

[0053]The supply system 40 has a third air pump 150 mounted between the
two rows of growing units 50 on the left, as viewed in FIG. 5. A growing
unit air supply line 151 extends from the third air pump to each of the
second six (6) growing units 50 on the left, as viewed in FIG. 5; that
is, to the three (3) growing units on one side of the third air pump and
to the three (3) growing units on the opposite side of the third air
pump. Each of these six (6) growing units has a fluid seal 153 through
which its respective growing unit air supply line extends to an interior
end portion 154 within its respective growing unit, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0054]Two aeration members 170 are individually mounted on the interior
end portions 135 of the second air supply lines 132 within the interior
92 of the upper tank 62. The aeration members are mounted on the supports
99 and extend in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other
within the interior of the upper tank, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0055]Two aeration members 170 are individually mounted on the interior
end portions 134 of the first air supply lines 131 within the interior 72
of the lower tank 61. The aeration members are mounted on the supports 79
and extend in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other
within the interior of the lower tank, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0056]One aeration member 170 is mounted on the interior end portions 144
and 154 of the growing unit air supply lines 141 and 151 within the
interior 112 of each growing unit 50. The aeration member of each growing
unit is mounted on the supports 119 extending transversely thereof, as
shown in FIG. 18.

[0057]Each of the aeration members 170 has a proximal end portion 171
which is connected in air receiving relation to the interior end portions
135, 134 and 144 of their respective second air supply lines 132, first
air supply lines 131 and growing unit air supply lines 141 and 151
respectively. Each of the aeration members extends to a distal end
portion 172 and has an outer surface 173 which, in cross section, forms a
trucated pyramidal configuration. The aeration members can be constructed
of any suitable material, but preferably are constructed of a
lightweight, porous stone such as lava rock. Each aeration member has a
passage running substantially the length thereof and sealed at the distal
end portion 172 thereof so that air is pressurized therewithin and is
forced through the outer surface 173 and thus from the aeration member,
as will hereinafter be described in greater detail.

[0058]The upper tank 62 is best shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. The lower tank
61 is best shown in FIG. 14. A discharge conduit 180 extends from a
proximal end portion 181 within the interior 92 of the upper tank 62, and
in fluid communication therewith, to a distal end portion 182 in fluid
communication with the interior 72 of the lower tank 61. The proximal end
portion and the distal end portion of the discharge conduit have fluid
seals 183 individually extending thereabout where they extend through the
side wall 91 of the upper tank and the side wall 71 of the lower tank 61.

[0059]A float valve 190 is mounted on the distal end portion 182 of the
discharge conduit 180 within the interior 72 of the lower tank 61. The
float valve has a valve assembly 191 which is operated by a valve arm 192
mounting a float 193 thereon near the end of the valve arm and near the
center of the interior 72 of the lower tank 61. The float and valve arm
operate the float valve to close, or shut off, the valve assembly when
raised relative thereto and to open the valve assembly to fluid flow
therethrough when pivoted downwardly from the closed position shown in
FIG. 14. The valve assembly can, for purposes hereinafter described, be
temporarily locked in as closed or opened position.

[0060]The supply system 40 has a fluid circulation system generally
indicated by the numeral 200 in FIG. 5. The fluid circulation system has
a left main conduit 201 which is mounted in fluid tight, fluid receiving
relation on the side wall 71 of the lower tank 61 on the left, as viewed
in FIG. 4. The left main conduit is disposed in fluid receiving relation
to the interior 72 of the lower tank. A right main conduit 202 is mounted
in fluid tight, fluid receiving relation on the side wall of the lower
tank 61 on the right, as viewed in FIG. 4. The right main conduit is
disposed in fluid receiving relation to the interior 72 of the lower
tank. The left main conduit includes a plurality of left main conduit
sections 203 which individually interconnect the lower tank with the
nearest growing unit 50 and individually in series with successive
growing units in order. The right main conduit includes a plurality of
right main conduit sections 204 which individually interconnect the lower
tank with the nearest growing unit 50 and individually in series with
successive growing units as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

[0061]As shown on the left, as viewed in FIG. 6, a return conduit assembly
205 interconnects the last left main conduit section 203 and the last
right main conduit section 204 in fluid tight, fluid transferring
relation. The return conduit assembly has a central connection 206
mounting a main shut off valve 207. The return conduit assembly has fluid
pump 215 which is operably connected to the main shut off valve 207 by a
linking conduit 216. A return conduit 217 has a proximal end 218 and an
opposite distal end 219. The proximal end of the return conduit is
connected in fluid receiving relation to the fluid pump 215. The distal
end of the return conduit is disposed in juxtaposition to the lower tank
61.

[0062]A fluid dispersal assembly 220 is mounted on the distal end 219 of
the return conduit 217 and extends through the adjacent side wall 71 of
the lower tank 61, as best shown in FIG. 14. The fluid dispersal assembly
has an elbow conduit 221 which directly extends through the side wall 71
in fluid tight relation by virtue of a seal 222 extending thereabout. A
fluid discharge housing 223 is mounted on the elbow conduit 221 within
the interior 72 of the lower tank 61. The fluid discharge housing is
operable to discharge fluid received from the elbow conduit in a splayed
pattern in the interior 72 of the lower tank, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0063]The apparatus 10 has a nutrient distribution system generally
indicated by the numeral 230 in FIG. 14. The nutrient distribution system
has a fluid pump 231 mounted on the floor 70 in the interior 72 of the
lower tank 61. The fluid pump 231 is operable to receive fluid in the
interior 72 and pump the fluid through a main nutrient conduit 232 having
a proximal end 233 mounted in fluid receiving relation on the fluid pump
231. The main nutrient conduit 232 has a distal end 234. The proximal end
of the main nutrient conduit extends through the side wall 71 of the
lower housing in fluid tight relation by virtue of a seal 235 extending
thereabout. A fluid valve 236 is operably mounted on the distal end 234
of the main nutrient conduit. The fluid valve 236 is normally disposed in
a closed position to seal the distal end 234. When desired, however, the
fluid valve can be placed in an open position to drain the main nutrient
conduit and thereby the entire apparatus 10, as will hereinafter be
described.

[0064]Each of the growing units 50 has a plant housing, or basket, 250
mounted in the hole 120 of the first section 117 of the lid assembly 115.
The plant basket has a bottom panel 251 having a downwardly tapered side
wall 252, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The plant basket has an outwardly
extending circular upper lip 253. The plant basket of each growing unit
is received and mounted in the hole 120 by the upper lip of each growing
unit resting on the first section 117 of the lid assembly 115. The
tapered side wall and bottom panel have a multiplicity of passages or
openings 254 extending therethrough. The tapered side wall and bottom
panel 251 bound and thereby define an interior 255 of the plant basket.
The interior of the plant basket contains and is substantially filled
with a growing medium 256. In the preferred embodiment, the growing
medium is a non-soil material, such as vermiculite, or expanded clay
pellets, which absorbs fluids, such as water, nutrients, air, and the
like. However, if desired, the growing medium can be soil, a soil and
non-soil mixture, or the like.

[0065]A representative seedling or plant 257 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 15, 16, 17, and 18 growing in the growing medium 256 of each growing
unit 50. It will be understood that any type of plant life or other
living organisms can be grown in each growing unit. It will similarly be
understood that the plant can be grown from seed planted in each growing
unit.

[0066]The nutrient distribution system 230 includes a plurality of supply
conduits 270 each having a proximal end 271 and a distal end 272. The
proximal end 271 of each supply conduit is connected in fluid receiving
relation to the main nutrient conduit 232. The distal end of each supply
conduit is connected in fluid supplying relation to a nutrient release
member 273 which is made of a porous material.

[0067]The nutrient release member 273 has a proximal end 274 and a distal
end 275. Each nutrient release member is received in the growing medium
256 of its respective growing unit 50 in a substantially vertical
attitude with the distal end thereof adjacent to the bottom panel 251 of
its respective plant basket and in adjacent spaced relation to its
respective plant 257, as best shown in FIG. 18.

[0068]The lighting assembly 30 of the apparatus 10 of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The lighting assembly is
suspended above and in spaced relation to the growing assembly 20. The
lighting assembly is aligned with the growing assembly 20. The lighting
assembly is suspended by any suitable means, not shown, in this position.
The lighting assembly has a main housing 276 having two (2) spaced,
downwardly projecting light fixtures 277. The light fixtures are operable
downwardly to project ultraviolet light on the plants 257 within the
growing units 50. Other types, or combinations, of light can be projected
from the light fixtures as desired.

[0069]The main housing 276 has an air duct 278 interconnecting the light
fixtures 277 and extending upwardly to a pair of air vent assemblies 279
operable to release heat developed by the light fixtures during
operation. The air vent assemblies can have fans, not shown, therein
operable to assist in drawing heated air upwardly toward and through the
air vent assemblies for upward release of the heated air.

[0070]For purposes of describing operation of the apparatus 10, it will be
understood that the upper tank 62 is filled to a pre-selected level
therein with a nutrient fluid, not shown. The lower tank 61 is filled, as
will be described, with a nutrient fluid 280 to an upper surface or level
281. Similarly, the interior 112 of each growing unit 50 is filled, as
will be described, with nutrient fluid 282 to a pre-selected upper
surface or level 283. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, during operation each
aeration member 170 releases air bubbles 284 into the nutrient fluid
within the upper tank 62, lower tank 61 and each growing unit 50.

[0071]A second embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is
generally indicated by the numeral 300 in FIG. 19. In the second
embodiment, only the growing units are different from those of the first
embodiment. The growing units of the second embodiment of the apparatus
10 are generally indicated by the numeral 350. Except as hereinafter
discussed, the same reference numerals are used with respect to the
growing unit 350 as in the case of the growing units 50 of the first
embodiment of the invention heretofore set forth. Thus, the only
difference between the growing units 350 and the growing units 50 are
that the growing units 350 have four (4) holes 120 individually adapted
to receive four (4) plant baskets 250. In addition, each plant basket of
the growing units 350 individually have supply conduits 270 with nutrient
release members 273. Still further, each plant basket of each growing
unit 350 has a plant 257 individually growing therein. In all other
respects, the second embodiment 300 of the present invention is the same
as the first embodiment heretofore set forth.

Operation

[0072]The operation of the described embodiments of the subject invention
are believed to be clearly apparent and are briefly summarized at this
point.

[0073]Reference is first made to the upper tank 62, best shown in FIGS. 7,
8 and 9. A specific fluid is described herein purely for illustrative
convenience. It will be understood that any desired fluid can be employed
depending, in part, on the specific type of living organism to be grown
in the growing units 50. With the first section 97 of the lid assembly 95
disposed in a raised attitude, a fluid, containing the nutrients desired
for the stage of development of the plants 257, is placed, or formed, in
the interior 92 of the upper tank 62. This fluid would, for example,
consist of water containing an admixture of nutrients in the quantities
desired, such as, for example, molasses, marine bird guano, phosphoric
acid, bat guano, calcium nitrate, potassium sulfate and kelp meal. This
nutrient fluid can be one already formulated by a commercial supplier,
mixed externally of the upper tank, can be mixed, in whole or in part,
within the interior of the upper tank, or can be supplied from any other
source.

[0074]In any case, before filling of the interior 92 of the upper tank 62
with this resulting nutrient fluid, the valve assembly 191 of the float
valve 190 is placed in a closed position. This permits the desired amount
of nutrient fluid to be placed in and/or mixed within the upper tank
without draining therefrom through the discharge conduit 180 into the
interior 72 of the lower tank 61.

[0075]During filling of the interior 92 of the upper tank 62 with the
nutrient fluid, the first air pump 130 is operated to supply air from the
adjacent environment through the second air supply lines 132 to the two
(2) aeration members 170 within the upper tank, as best shown in FIG. 9.
The air, under pressure, is forced out of the aeration members and
introduced to the nutrient fluid in the form of air bubbles 284. The air
bubbles buoyantly pass upwardly in the nutrient fluid within the upper
tank thereby aerating the nutrient fluid. This process is continued
during the presence of nutrient fluid within the upper tank. The first
section 97 of the lid assembly 95 can then be closed to prevent the
nutrient fluid from inadvertently being contaminated. However, nutrient
fluid is continuously added to the interior of the upper tank as the
apparatus 10 is operated as necessary to maintain the desired volume of
nutrient fluid within the upper tank as it is consumed.

[0076]The valve assembly 191 of the float valve 190 is then placed in an
opened condition so that the float 193 is free to float and valve arm 192
thus operates the valve assembly in a normal manner. Since, at this time,
the interior 72 of the lower tank 61 is empty, the float is
gravitationally retained in a lowered position thus maintaining the valve
assembly 191 in an opened condition. The opening of the valve assembly
causes nutrient fluid 280 gravitationally to flow from the upper tank 62
into the interior 72 of the lower tank 61 through the discharge conduit
180 and the float valve 190. This can best be visualized upon reference
to FIG. 14. The interior of the lower tank is filled with the nutrient
fluid to a predetermined upper level 281 thereby causing the float 193
and valve arm 192 to move upwardly to operate the valve assembly 191 so
that it is placed in the closed position. The float valve thus maintains
the predetermined upper level 281 within the lower tank 61, as shown in
FIG. 14. The main shut off valve 207 is placed in an opened condition.

[0077]At this time, the lower tank 61 is filled with nutrient fluid 280 to
the predetermined upper level 281 and is maintained in this condition by
operation of the float valve 190. The first air pump 130 pumps ambient
air from externally thereof through the first air supply lines 131 into
the two (2) aeration members 170. This releases air bubbles 284 from the
aeration members to pass upwardly through the nutrient fluid 282
therewithin continuously to aerate the nutrient fluid and supply diffused
oxygen into the nutrient fluid.

[0078]Nutrient fluid 280 passes, by way of gravity flow, from the interior
72 of the lower tank 61, through the fluid circulation system 200 along
the left main conduit 201 and the right main conduit 202. As shown best
in FIG. 6, the nutrient fluid is thereby passed through the six (6) pairs
of growing units 50 to maintain a volume of nutrient fluid 282 within
each growing unit reaching the upper level 283 thereof, as shown in FIG.
18.

[0079]Ambient air is pumped through the growing unit 50 air supply lines
141 and 151 by the second air pump 140 and the third air pump 150. The
air is thus pumped into the aeration members 170 from which air bubbles
284 are released into the nutrient fluid 282 so as buoyantly to rise
through and supplying diffused oxygen thereto. Since nutrient fluid
continues to pass along the left and right main conduits 201 and 202,
respectively, through the growing units, a degree of fluid circulation is
established in the nutrient fluid within each growing unit. This
continues to mix the ingredients within the nutrient fluid as well as to
distribute the air bubbles within the nutrient fluid. This, once again,
causes continued aeration of the nutrient fluid.

[0080]As can be seen in FIG. 18, the upper level 283 of the nutrient fluid
282 within each growing unit 50 is just immediately beneath the bottom
panel 251 of that growing unit's respective plant basket 250. The fluid
circulation causes periodic contact of the nutrient fluid with the bottom
panel and the growing medium 256 therewith which, as in the case of
vermiculite, or expanded clay pellets, absorbs and retains the aerated
nutrient fluid for absorption as needed by the plant 257. Additionally,
such aeration and fluid circulation releases vapor of the nutrient fluid
above the upper level 283 within the growing unit for absorption for the
same purpose by the growing medium.

[0081]Still further, the supply conduits 270 of the nutrient distribution
system 230, under the impetus of the fluid pump 231, supply nutrient
fluid 282 to the individual nutrient release members 273 within the
growing medium 256 of each growing unit 50. As can best be seen upon
reference to FIG. 18, each nutrient release member is vertically oriented
within the growing medium of its respective plant basket 250 adjacent to
the plant 257 thereof. Thus, nutrient fluid is absorbed by the growing
medium for consumption by the plant 257 thereof. Any of the nutrient
fluid not absorbed by the growing medium is released through the openings
254 to drain from the plant basket into the nutrient fluid within the
growing unit.

[0082]As can be visualized upon reference to FIG. 6, the nutrient fluid
282 passing along the left main conduit 201 and right main conduit 202
reaches and passes into the return conduit assembly 205. From the return
conduit assembly, the nutrient fluid passes, in sequence, through the
main shut off valve 207; the linking conduit 216; the fluid pump 215; the
return conduit 217; the fluid discharge housing 223; and, in a spray
pattern, back into the interior 72 of the lower tank 61. The lower tank
thus pulls, in effect, the nutrient fluid back into the lower tank. The
spray pattern disperses the nutrient fluid about the interior of the
lower tank and assists again in mixing the ingredients comprising the
nutrient fluid within the lower tank.

[0083]The nutrient distribution system 230 supplies the nutrient fluid 282
to the respective nutrient release members 273 of the individual growing
units 50. This is achieved through the nutrient distribution system by
means of the fluid pump 231 of the lower tank 61 adjacent to the floor 70
thereof into the main nutrient conduit 232. This can best be visualized
upon reference to FIG. 14.

[0084]Nutrient fluid 282, under pressure from the fluid pump 231, is
passed through and along the main nutrient conduit 232 from right to
left, as viewed in FIG. 5. At this time, of course, the fluid valve 236
is in a closed condition. The nutrient fluid, under fluid pressure, is
passed through the individual supply conduits 270 and into their
respective nutrient release members 273 of the individual growing units
50. The nutrient fluid is emitted by each nutrient release member into
the growing medium 256 which absorbs the nutrient fluid for retention
until taken in by the plant 257 as it grows. Any surplus nutrient fluid
leaks from the growing medium, through the openings 254 in each plant
basket 250 and drains into the nutrient fluid 282 within each growing
unit. The surplus nutrient fluid within the growing units continues to be
circulated through the fluid circulation system 200, as previously
discussed.

[0085]The light fixtures 277 of the main housing 276 of the lighting
assembly 30 are operated to provide ultraviolet light for the plants 257
therebelow within the growing units 50. This permits photosynthesis to
take place within the plants as necessary for plant growth. The air duct
278 and air vent assemblies 279 draw off heat produced by the light
fixtures so as to avoid damage to the plants and otherwise to provide an
optimum growing environment.

[0086]When the main shut off valve 207 is closed, the nutrient fluid 282
is thus prevented from entering the return conduit 217 and passing back
through the return conduit to the interior 72 of the lower tank 61.
Return to the interior of the lower tank can only be through the left
main conduit 201 and the right main conduit 202 reversing the normal
direction of movement therethrough. Opening of the fluid valve 236 and
continued operation of the fluid pump 231 causes the entire apparatus 10
to be emptied of nutrient fluid through the lower tank 61, main nutrient
conduit 232 and the fluid valve 236. This may be done for purposes of
cleaning the apparatus, mixing and using a different fluid, or for any
other desired purpose.

[0087]It will be understood that all components of the apparatus 10
requiring electrical power for operation are supplied therewith, as
necessary, through suitable electrical and control systems, not shown.

[0088]The second embodiment 300 of the apparatus 10, shown in FIG. 19,
operates in the same manner heretofore described. The only substantial
difference is that the growing unit 350 of the second embodiment each has
four (4) plant baskets 250 individually provided with the supporting
systems heretofore described.

[0089]In both the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 300, the
plant baskets 250 are not fastened to their respective growing units 50
and 350. The plant baskets are simply held in position by gravity with
their individual upper lips 253 rested on the first section 117 of the
lid assembly 115 of its respective growing unit. Consequently, each plant
basket can be lifted from its respective growing unit, the growing unit
air supply line 141 and supply conduit 270 removed therefrom, the plant
thereof removed after completion of their productive lives, or any other
intended usage. There are no other removal requirements. Similarly, with
or without replacement of the growing medium 256, a new seed or seedling
or other living organism can be planted in the growing medium within the
plant basket; the plant basket reinserted, as descried, in its respective
growing unit; and the growing unit air supply line and supply conduit
reattached. The apparatus requires no other installation steps.

[0090]Significantly, in the apparatus 10 of the present invention is
distinct from the prior art in numerous important respects. This
includes, but not limited to, the fact that the nutrient fluid is
continuously circulated during operation and thus is not stagnant; that
the nutrient fluid level can be raised or lowered as desired; and that
there is continuous aeration of the nutrient fluid.

[0091]Still further, the employment of an in-line fluid pump produces
peripheral negative pressure which moves the nutrient solution, or fluid,
to a central control module, that being the lower supply tank 61. This
achieves rapid surface aeration. Supplemental dissolved oxygen is
individually supplied to each of the growing units 50 by way of the
aeration members 170. Thus, a perpetual nutrient cycling system is
established for the growing units 50 which, in addition, delivers
replenished dissolved oxygen to each of the growing units during
operation of the circulatory in-line fluid pump. The underlying manifold
interconnects the growing units to enable nutrient solution to be
supplied symmetrically beneath the plant roots of the growing units.

[0092]Therefore, the apparatus for growing living of the present invention
is capable of producing commercially practical yields of superior quality
plant life and other living organisms; is operable to provide an optimum
growing environment; is operable to provide superior aeration of the
fluid provided to the plant life or the like grown therein; is operable
to provide optimum nutrients in a manner most suited to the particular
plant life to be grown; permits modification thereof to accommodate the
changing requirements of the plant life throughout its growth and
maturation; can readily be expanded to provide additional capacity or
reduced in size to accommodate a particular desired capacity; is adapted
to provide improved operation in a hydroponic system; and is otherwise
entirely successful in achieving its operational objectives.

[0093]Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what
is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is
recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the
invention which is not to be limited to the illustrative details
disclosed.